Patna becomes a summer wonderland

Time of India

2 days ago

Patna: As the summer sun blazes overhead, not every Patna family is heading off on a holiday. Instead, many are turning to their hometown for a dose of excitement and discovery. From stargazing adventures to adrenaline-pumping rides, Patna is quietly emerging as a playground for children during the summer break.
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A celestial favourite among curious youngsters is the Indira Gandhi Planetarium, more affectionately known as the Patna Planetarium. With doors open from 10am to 6pm, Tuesday through Sunday, this dome of wonders offers immersive 3D shows like 'Voyager and Life of Trees' in both English and Hindi. These engaging presentations blend stunning animation with captivating narratives to make astronomy and environmental science both educational and unforgettable.
Tickets are priced at Rs 100 for those above 15 and Rs 60 for children aged 6 to 14.
But the wonders are not confined to the skies. Patna's verdant retreats, like the beloved Eco Park (Rajdhani Vatika), offer a more grounded yet equally exhilarating experience. Sprawling lawns, water ball rides and an evening fountain show create an idyllic setting for picnics and play. "We have multiple swings and rides, Mickey Mouse statues, water balls children can sit in, skating and boating facilities in the park," said a staff member at Eco Park.
"Ticket charges for children aged 0-3 years is Rs 10 and for adults Rs 20. Boating starts at Rs 100 for two-seaters and goes up to Rs 300 for tikara. Skating costs Rs 50 per day or Rs 500 for a month. Zip lines and the Burma Bridge are also quite popular with kids, priced at Rs 100."
A short stroll away, the children's park at Gandhi Maidan may be modest by comparison but continues to draw crowds with its old-school charm. Traditional swings and wide-open spaces offer the kind of freedom today's screen-bound children rarely enjoy.
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"These parks offer a refreshing break from indoor confines and encourage physical activity and social interaction," said Kiran Singh, who was relaxing at Eco Park with her family.
For families seeking indoor excitement, game zones in Patna's malls are proving a popular escape. These spaces feature everything from classic arcade games to virtual reality adventures. "Game zones provide a safe and air-conditioned environment for children to burn off energy and enjoy competitive fun," said Om Prakash Singh, who visited one such zone with his son.
"For toddlers, we have ball pools, mini rides and slides. There are VR games and bumper cars for all age groups," said a staff member at a game zone in a poular mall. "Kids and adults can win prizes in vending games. We require a minimum recharge of Rs 500, which remains valid for a year, and we are offering bonus credits during the summer holidays," he added.
And when the heat becomes unbearable, swimming pools across the city offer a cool reprieve. Many private clubs, hotels and even public facilities open their doors to families for swimming lessons and free swims. "We have started our summer swimming classes. Non-members pay Rs 2,500 per month or Rs 150 per day. We also have separate timings for males and females," said the manager of New Patna Club.